England Recall Jos Buttler for First Pakistan Test

England, on Tuesday (May 15), recalled in-form wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, for the first Test against Pakistan starting next week at historic Lord’s. England have also included uncapped off-spinner Dom Bess in the 12-man squad.

Buttler has not played first-class cricket this season. He has been in superb form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). He did not start the season on a good note. But his form changed after he was promoted as an opener.

The 27-year old has not looked back since then and has scored five fifties on the trot for IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR). His scores in the last five games read 67, 51, 82, 95* and 94*. The last two knocks came while chasing against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and reigning champions Mumbai Indians (MI).

But despite Buttler being rewarded for his form, the Test recall is somewhat surprising. The right-handed batsman has played just eight first-class matches since the start of 2016.

Moreover, he will have very less time to get into the Test mode which can once again peg back his Test career. So far, he played 18 Tests and is yet to cement his place after scoring at a modest average of 31.36.

Quick Read: Buttler to be Included in the England Test Squad

Buttler last played a Test for England on the tour to India in 2016. However, he was overlooked for the Ashes tour and the Test trip to New Zealand this winter.

Ed Smith, the national selector, said that Buttler is an integral part of the Team.

“Jos Buttler is an outstanding talent, who is already a central part of England’s white ball teams,” said Smith as he was quoted by AFP.

Furthermore, Smith is confident Buttler would ‘bring unique qualities to the Test side’.

“The selection panel feels that this is the perfect moment to reintroduce Jos to Test cricket, where he has already enjoyed some success, including a stint playing as a specialist batsman at number seven. Jos is playing with great confidence and flair, and he will bring unique qualities to the Test team,” he added.

Meanwhile, the 20-year old Bess has replaced left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who is sidelined with a broken thumb.

Bess, who has taken only one wicket for Somerset this season, has 63 at 22.49 apiece in 16 first-class matches.

James Vince has missed out despite scoring an unbeaten double-hundred for Hampshire against Somerset earlier this week.

The first Test at Lord’s starts on 24 May and the second at Headingley on 1 June.

Full Squad:

Mark Stoneman, Alastair Cook, Joe Root (c), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Dom Bess, and Mark Wood